ADDING ON: Cosmos B signs Borrajo, Velela, Wojcik

NEW YORK – The Cosmos announced Tuesday the signings of defenders Jonathan Borrajo and Alexis Velela and forward Wojciech Wojcik to its Cosmos B roster.

“Borrajo is a versatile defender that can get forward and play a few positions for us,” Cosmos B head coach Carlos Mendes said. “He also brings a lot of experience to the squad. He’s a great addition for us.”

A North American Soccer League veteran, Borrajo joins Cosmos B after spending the last two season (2016-2017) with Miami FC. The 30-year-old saw action in 39 matches, while he dished out six assists from the backline during his tenure with Miami FC.

Borrajo also helped Miami FC to claim the NASL spring and fall regular season titles in 2017. After spending 2015 with Fort Lauderdale Strikers, the Clifton, N.J. native also was part of the 2014 NASL championship team with the San Antonio Scorpions. Borrajo, who had a stellar college career at George Mason University, has also played professionally in the USL, Norway and MLS.

“It’s great to have Alexis back with the team. He’s a young guy that battled for playing time with the Cosmos first team the last couple of years, and has a lot of NPSL experience,” Mendes said. “This will be a great opportunity for him to get regular minutes and to continue to improve.”

Velela, 19, a San Diego, Calif. native is primarily a right back. A member of the U.S. youth national team program since 2011, Velela started every match for the Under-17 team in the 2015 CONCACAF Championship. He made his first team debut with the Cosmos on Sept. 3, 2016 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

“Woj is a big, physical striker with good feet that will also be a threat on crosses,” Mendes said. “He should pair up nicely with Bljedi Bardic.”

Wojcik, 25, played the last two seasons for the Oklahoma City Energy in the United Soccer League. Woj was born in Poland and also has U.S. citizenship. He attended Bradley University and signed his first professional contract with Finnish side FC Ilves. In 2015, he moved back to the States signing with the Indy 11.

Cosmos B start the NPSL season by visiting Boston City FC at Brother Gilbert Stadium May 5, at 7 p.m. ET. The club’s home opener is against the Brooklyn Italians May 15, at 8 p.m. ET, with the stadium to be announced.

About The Author

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered eight World Cups, seven Olympics and all 21 MLS Cups. He writes about New York City FC, New York Cosmos and the U.S. national team for Newsday and pens a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has two more in the works, including one about the Rochester Lancers.